Lions

Report: Lions Release Kris Durham

OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 15: Wide receiver Kris Durham #18 of the Detroit Lions catches a touchdown against corner back T.J. Carrie #38 of the Oakland Raiders during their preseason game at O.co Coliseum on August 15, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Related Tags:

CBS DETROIT – After playing in all 16 games for the Detroit Lions in 2013, wide receiver Kris Durham has been released by the team, according to the Detroit Free Press. Durham caught 38 passes for 490 yards last season.

Entering his fourth season in the NFL, Durham had played in seven games over his first two years in the league before injury sidelined Nate Burleson in 2013 and gave quarterback Matthew Stafford occasion to look for Durham more frequently.

Competition for wide receiver spots this offseason has been fierce, however. Veteran Kevin Ogletree joined the Lions four games into last season, and Stafford said he expected Ogletree to have a more defined role in the offense after getting to work with the Lions for the entire offseason.

Corey Fuller, who spent last season on the practice squad, has gotten rave reviews from teammates, who say the difference between his play last year and this year is night and day. Jeremy Ross will also have a spot due in large part to his return prowess. Ryan Broyles, Detroit’s second-round pick in 2012, is also in contention for a job after an injury-free preseason.

Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, of course, occupy the top two wide receiver spots.

Durham is one of nearly two dozen players who will be dismissed by the Lions by 4 p.m. Saturday, the deadline for teams to trim their rosters to 53 men.